I don’t have a top-ten list of favorite movies. Creating a list like that is a losing battle because, for me, that list can change with the slightest fluctuation of mood. There are, however, films that I find myself going back to again and again because even after a dozen viewings I am still able to discover something new and exciting in them.

Metropolis is one of those movies and honestly it’s not all that difficult to explain why. Released in 1927, Metropolis was one of the first epic science-fiction films. Technically it is a stunning achievement that few films even today can compare to. On its surface there are things for every geek to enjoy: robots, mad scientist, a beautiful heroine, and amazing special effects. Dig a little under that surface though and you’ll find deep meaning in this bustling city of a movie. Like all good science fiction the true story is one of the human-condition. It is there we find class struggle, ideas of deep faith, the destructiveness of the mob mentality, and ultimately of forgiveness and perhaps even collective growth.

The story of Metropolis follows several characters with the main character really being the city itself. The titular Metropolis is a city divided by the Haves and the Have-nots. The Haves live in the tall skyscrapers above ground where life is but a plaything filled with parties, peacocks, and any other whim one could think of. The Have-nots live on the bottom of the city and even underground. They toil, to the point of exhaustion and death, working the almost God-like machines that allow the Haves their lifestyle.

Enter Freder, son of Metropolis’s founder and definitely a Have. At a lavish garden party he meets Maria, a Have-not and peaceful revolutionary who wants to bridge the gap between both worlds. Freder, as is wont to happen in these situations, becomes infatuated with the beautiful Maria and wants to join her cause. Of course this upsets Freder’s father who consorts with the mad-scientist Rotwang to kidnap Maria and replace her with an evil robot. This robot is set upon the Have-nots and causes their peaceful revolution to become violent and self-destructive.

There is miles more plot and themes to discuss but it should be experienced fresh on the big screen and not in the paragraphs of this blog.

Metropolis is an amazing film that has inspired nearly every science-fiction film since. From Star Wars to Blade Runner to The Matrix, the tendrils of Metropolis can be found everywhere.

The exciting thing about the copy of Metropolis playing at the Dryden is its restoration. Many restoration attempts have been made on this film and each one is better than the last. This restoration is special however as a reduced negative of the original film (with nearly 30 minutes of missing footage thought lost since its original premiere) was found in South America and lovingly reintegrated into the film.

This missing footage adds previously unseen characters and subplots to the film and I for one can’t wait to rediscover Metropolis again. I hope you’ll want to join me and the assuredly packed house when the newly restored Metropolis is shown at the Dryden. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this film as it was originally intended.

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Contributors

Kate McGowan is a former Rochester television news reporter now working in the non-profit sector for the nation’s leading children’s charity, Make-A-Wish. She is passionate about inspiring young professionals to use their talents in becoming more actively involved in their communities. Follow her on Twitter at @KateMcGowan

Toni Lynn Arena: I am a digital media specialist by day and a fitness loving, animal activist by night. When I'm not working on self-improvement inside and out, I work with other philanthropists to build awareness within the young professional community and help make a difference.

Andrea Raethka earned a bachelor's in History, Sociology and Women's Studies from the College of Brockport. She is a mother of three young children and is always up for exploring new places for kiddie play dates. She enjoys good food, local shopping and keeping up to date on news, politics and public school issues. Find Andrea on Twitter: @Mango1531.

Ashley Dewey is an internet marketing blogger from Victor who shares thoughts about life and pets.

Audrey Burns is a reader, writer and full-time nostalgist who writes about cultural and social issues in Rochester.

Cynthia Pacia shares thoughts about giving and living in the Rochester area.

Eastman Young Professionals share the latest happenings at George Eastman House.

Habitat for Humanity Young Professionals share life and non-profit experiences, and their journey within Rochester’s changing landscape.

Jason Schwingle is a native of Rochester. He shares his thoughts and ideas on bringing young professionals back to Rochester and to downtown.

Jenna Kempie is the Social Media Chair for the Rochester Young Professionals, and is contributing posts on RYP activities and other helpful insights for young professionals in the community. Jenna enjoys getting out and exploring the area, and talking to people about their Rochester experiences, print and technology - on and offline. Follow Jenna on Twitter: @JennaKempie

Jennifer Galvez Caton is an active arts volunteer who shares her passion and perspective on theater, film, dance and music with young professionals in the Rochester area.

Jerome Nathaniel is a 2011 graduate of the University of Rochester, where he was an executive editor for the Campus Times and a service fellow with the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. Now, the Brooklyn native has returned to Rochester as an Americorp Vista at Foodlink, where he's serving as a hunger advocate.

Kayleigh Nutting is a non-profit professional that came to Rochester for college and never left. She is a graduate student and works full time planning special events and fundraising. Follow her as she writes about kicking back, giving back and appreciating the Flower City.

Kristine Caronna, a young professional blogger from Greece, shares her thoughts and updates.

Leah Shearer is a young professional and two-time cancer survivor from Rochester. She shares her unique perspective on all things - the serious, the silly and everything in between.

Luticha Doucette is a student researcher, activist and humanist who sees the world from a seated position. She chronicles life as a disable person seeking a PhD. position in biophysics at Yale or John Hopkins universities, and beyond.

Maria Thomas is the chair of RocCity Coalition, who is passionate about education and the needs of city youth. She writes about various opportunities for young professionals to get involved in the community.

Olga Podzorov is an agent with Nothnagle Realtors. She is a community activist and passionate philanthropist who is committed to working with young professionals. She covers a variety of real estate issues.

Ruth Harper-Rhode, a St. Bonaventure University graduate, does public relations for a local nonprofit. She moved to Rochester from a small city in 2011 and lived on Park Ave before moving to Penfield, where she currently resides.

Terra Keller sends updates from the staff at Foodlink, a popular regional food bank.

Stefanie Schwingle is a Rochester native and has worked at Wegmans Corporation for the past 10 years, but her interests lie in entrepreneurship and communication and her passions include urban living, photography, and cooking. Stefanie lives downtown with her husband and loves everyday life in the city.

Taren Greenidge earned her B.A. in Economics and Political Science, cum laude, in 2007 from Spelman College and her J.D. from Duke University School of Law in 2010. She is an associate at Littler Mendelson, P.C, a U.S.-based international law firm exclusively devoted to representing management in every aspect of labor and employment law. Taren is the president of the Black Young Professionals of Rochester, an auxiliary of the Urban League of Rochester, N.Y., Inc., which targets individuals ages 21 through 40 to foster growth and professional development, to empower members to achieve success and to strive to improve the community.